Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Based on peer programs nationally, this lab science degree tracks to around $65,000 in first-year earnings against roughly $26,000 in debt—a manageable 0.40 ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loans without undue strain. However, that national benchmark actually falls short of what Tennessee's lab science programs typically deliver. Austin Peay State reports median earnings of $70,028 for its graduates, and the state median sits at that same figure, meaning UT-Knoxville's estimated outcomes trail in-state competitors by about $5,000 annually.

The gap matters more than it might seem at first glance. Over a career, that $5,000 differential compounds significantly, and lab scientists generally see earnings stabilize rather than skyrocket after their first few years. The debt estimate appears reasonable—close to both national and state medians—but the lower earnings projection raises questions about whether UT's program delivers the same credential value as Tennessee's other options. For a flagship university with a 1304 average SAT, you'd expect earnings at or above the state median, not below it.

If your child is set on UT-Knoxville for campus culture or other programs, this major won't derail their finances. But if the lab science degree itself is the draw, Austin Peay's actual outcomes suggest you might get better bang for your buck elsewhere in Tennessee. The estimated figures here point to a workable investment, just not necessarily the strongest one available in-state.